Next Brave Thing Podcast

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to let go of anxiety as a lifestyle. Through scripture, neuroscience, and practical prompts, we unpack how to move from fear to calm, from scarcity to intuition, and from the amygdala into the imaginative, faith-filled space where creativity, clarity, and peace are possible. Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myfl...

On today's solo episode I explore Brene Brown's guidepost number 7: Cultivating Play and Rest Letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth. Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com Follow me on Instagram: @ella.hooper__

In today’s solo episode, we explore Guidepost #9: Cultivating Meaningful Work — and what it really takes to let go of self-doubt and the pressure of “supposed to.” If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, felt depleted in your work, or wondered what meaningful work actually looks like, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Together, we’ll unpack authenticity, alignment, and the coura...

I thought I would put out a little solo episode to catch up and check in!

In this episode, James Burke explores what it truly means to lead with intention, authenticity, and care. We talk about finding language for transition seasons—those in-between moments when most people crave certainty, but what they actually need is clarity. James shares how great leadership starts with first leading yourself: cultivating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and grounded presen...

I invited Christa Parodi on the podcast to talk about Brené Brown’s Guidepost #10: Cultivating Laughter, Song, and Dance —letting go of being cool and “always in control.” In this heartwarming episode, Christa and I explore the transformative power of joy, creativity, and self-trust . We talk about the journey from high-stakes living to embracing play and spontaneity, sharing personal stories and...

In this episode, Kris and I dive into what it really means to live wholeheartedly. We talk about self-compassion, authenticity, and vulnerability — and how these shape the way we show up in life, especially when we’re in survival mode. We unpack the paradoxes of wholehearted living, the difference between compassion and pity, and why rest, agency, and acceptance are essential for emotional health....

Have you ever felt dismissed, unseen, or misunderstood? In this episode, Ella unpacks the healing power of validation—the simple yet profound act of saying, “I see you. I hear you. You matter.” Through personal stories, spiritual insight, and psychology, we explore how validation stops the pain cycle, rebuilds connection, and helps us find wholeness without losing ourselves. Get your free Wholehea...

This is a special episode because I’m joined by my life consultant, Rachel Hughes , for a rich conversation about the nervous system, trauma, and the journey of healing . Rachel has been a deeply influential voice in my own process—teaching me what it means to feel safe in my body and how to gently restore that sense of safety when it’s lost. Together, we explore the importance of understanding tr...

In this conversation, I connect with my dearest friend—actress, author, and poet Amy Leigh Wicks—to explore Brené Brown's guidepost on cultivating creativity and letting go of comparison. We dive into the messy, beautiful intersection of creativity, comparison, and self-compassion. We talk about how comparison often creeps into everyday life more than our art, the painful gap between our ideal and...

Today I am exploring the guidepost Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith; Letting go of the need for certainty. Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com Follow me on Instagram: @ella.hooper__

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a guilt trip, or had someone unload all their drama onto you, leaving you unsure how to respond? If so, this episode is for you. Today’s conversation is inspired by a simple yet powerful quote: “Observe, don’t absorb.” It’s a real skill to witness someone else’s energy or negativity without taking it on as your own—and learning how not to internalize othe...

Are you aware of when you’re triggered? Most of us aren’t—at least not until we begin paying closer attention to our emotional world. In this episode, I break down the signs of being triggered and share how I process, make sense of my emotions, and reframe my experiences to support healing. Join my 6 week emotional health course for woman starting Tuesday Oct 14! https://www.ella-hooper.com/group-...

Shame tells us we’re unworthy of love and belonging—but what if learning to face it could set us free? In this episode of The Next Brave Thing , I invited a returning guest Courtney Lancaster , a trauma-informed life coach, to unpack the complexities of shame, creativity, and the courage to be seen. Together, we explore how shame shows up in our lives, the self-protection strategies we use, and wh...

(Guidepost 4) Gratitude and joy aren’t just feel-good emotions—they are spiritual practices and nervous system tools for living a wholehearted life. In this episode, we explore what it means to let go of scarcity and fear of the dark and instead lean into the beauty and presence of joy, even when it feels risky . Ella shares personal reflections, including how “glimmers”—small moments of safety an...

“There are some very universal pieces of armor that we all wear: foreboding joy, perfectionism, and numbing.” — Brené Brown In this episode of The Wholehearted Series , we explore what it means to cultivate a resilient spirit —a key guidepost in living a wholehearted life. At the heart of this guidepost is a liberating invitation: let go of numbing and powerlessness . Many of us have learned to di...

In this transformative conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Margaret Nagib — clinical psychologist and spiritual development coach — to explore the vital role of the nervous system in both our emotional and spiritual health. Dr. Margaret unpacks how the nervous system forms the foundation for every area of life and why tending to it is essential for true balance and wholeness. We dive into how psycholo...

In this episode, I talk with Donna Winship about identity, belonging, and what it really means to hear God’s voice. Donna shares her journey from growing up in a Jewish community, to wrestling with big questions about God, to ultimately discovering a new identity through Jesus. We dive into her life with Jamie Winship—from his career in law enforcement to their years in high-conflict zones—and the...

In this episode of The Wholehearted Series , we explore the powerful shift from perfectionism to self-compassion. Perfectionism ties our worth to performance, fueling fear, shame, and disconnection. But self-compassion offers a new way—one rooted in kindness, common humanity, and mindful awareness. We unpack: The difference between self-esteem and self-compassion How perfectionism mirrors a fixed...

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity." – Brené Brown As part of The Wholehearted Series , I knew we had to talk about a key ingredient of wholehearted living—and that is vulnerability . Honestly, I don't think you can live a truly wholehearted life without it. So I invited my friend and returning guest, Jon Toms , back on the podcast to explore...

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” — Brené Brown In this episode of The Wholehearted Series , we explore the foundational guidepost of living a brave, connected life: Cultivating Authenticity by letting go of what people think. Authenticity isn’t a personality trait—it’s a daily, courageous practice. It requires self-aw...

The Wholehearted Series – Inspired by Brené Brown Welcome to The Wholehearted Series on The Next Brave Thing podcast. This special season is a deep dive into what it means to live from the inside out—with integrity, alignment, and courage. Inspired by the transformative work of Dr. Brené Brown, we’re exploring the ten guideposts for wholehearted living from her book The Gifts of Imperfection. Ofte...

Today I’m wrapping up Season 5 with an episode all about understanding your emotions. Emotions can often feel abstract and ambiguous, so in this episode, I’m sharing some of the foundational things I’ve learned that can help make sense of them. I’ll be back in a few weeks with Season 6—and I’m excited to bring you a new series on how to live wholeheartedly! Check out my website or book in a coachi...

In this episode of The Next Brave Thing , I sit down with the insightful and compassionate Hannah Wilson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to explore the deep and often tender intersections between trauma, emotional health, and spirituality. We talk about how trauma shows up in our relationships, shapes our personal growth, and influences our spiritual journeys. Hannah shares powerful ins...

Is “doing your best” actually just fear in disguise? In this episode, I unpack the subtle but powerful difference between wholehearted living and perfectionism . We explore how striving to be perfect often stems from fear, shame, or a need to prove ourselves—and how living from love, grace, and authenticity sets us free. From religious pressure and wellness culture to motherhood and Christian perf...